Hi everyone!

I'm new to the Virtual Assisting world. I am currently devoting ALL my time to getting my business off the ground but am frustrated already.

I have been a freelance writer for a year and getting projects here and there was easy. Starting the VA business, which I have a big passion for, seems difficult in terms of getting clients!

I officially 'launched' my new website on Monday. And before then submitted a Press Release to several free news sites. I also wrote up an article and submitted it on Ezine and Article Base. In addition, I began a blog before launching the site and have connected with several people on LinkedIn, Savor the Success and Ladies Who Launch.

Today I sent out emails to 20 people detailing my services and stating that I will follow up with a phone call next Wednesday to discuss how my business can help them further.

Am I doing anything wrong? is there something I'm missing? I would REALLY appreciate your help

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Caroline Pigott
VIP Assistant Solutions

I think the only ingredient you're missing here is *patience*
I know, it's so hard to put the work in and not see immediate results - welcome to the world of the small business owner.

Keep working at it - you'll want to continue to market your practice every single day, even when you do have clients! For some, the clients pour forth within weeks, others it takes months to get a full schedule - keep experimenting with different marketing methods and diversify the ways in which you reach out to people - if you put the energy in it will happen, it's just a matter of time.

In the meantime, this section is full of great new ways to get your business name out there - try a few new approaches and see what happens!

Of all the things you've done so far, all but one requires the client to reach out to you - you need to be contacting people actively if you want real results. Get involved on LinkedIn, start Twittering, join your local Chamber of Commerce or similar - create ways to build your reach up and out.

Also - don't forget to follow up with people you've contacted or who have contacted you.

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by Tess

I think the only ingredient you're missing here is *patience*

Patience is key. As long you are implementing your marketing strategy and re-evaluating it at regular intervals then you need to be patient. The clients will come.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Shari and Tess are right...you're just missing a little patience. As the Queen of Impatience, I understand your desire to have multiple clients pounding down your door, but rest assured, it will happen. Actually, speaking of getting clients right away, have you heard of the book called Get Clients NOW! by C.J. Hayden? There's a review of it in the Book Reviews section here on the forums. There are plenty of other good books reviewed there also; maybe one of them will have some info to help you speed the process along.

Keep it up, and you'll get there!

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Hi Caroline, as the others have already said, patience is key here!

I honestly think that networking and word of mouth is the best way to get clients; all of my clients have come via referrals and people I've communicated with on Facebook etc Look to your existing contacts and send a quick email to those who you think might benefit from your services - you've got nothing to lose!!

Good luck and wishing you every success!

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"Instead of looking for things that have gone wrong and trying to fix them...Look for things that went right and try to build on them" Tom Peters

thanks everyone. I realize patience is required with any business success. I just want that ONE client and then I'll feel more confident! I have told everyone I know about my new venture and am trying to get my husband involved as my PR person
I've just put so much work into writing articles and press releases, it would be nice if that paid off as well! Thanks for the encouragement!

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Caroline Pigott
VIP Assistant Solutions

It took me a few months to land my first solid client. But as everyone said patience is key...however, networking definitely helped. Keep the word out about your business with friends. I also joined BNI, and interest picked right up. Meetup.com for business meetups is great too.

Good luck.

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Sincerely,
Anastacia Prince of Prince Virtual Assistant Services
www.princeva.com

Caroline, not really sure whereabouts you're based, but are there any networking events in your area? Get some business cards printed up and have your elevator speech ready - it can be nerve-wracking at first, but once you've been to a few there'll be no stopping you!!

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"Instead of looking for things that have gone wrong and trying to fix them...Look for things that went right and try to build on them" Tom Peters

You know you could contact your previous employers to see if there's any area where you could be hired for services...obviously at a nominal price...just an idea. HTH!
Lauren Smith
http://www.delegationnation.com